Where does Kay Bailey Hutchison stand on abortion?

This debate provided for reporters to pursue a line of questioning with each candidate, and Dallas Morning News senior political reporter Wayne Slater started with the issue of abortion and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

First there was a clip of her saying in 1993, “I am very comfortable that Roe v. Wade is working very well.” Then, a clip from this year’s debate, in which Hutchison didn’t give a succinct answer on whether she believed Roe v. Wade should be overturned, saying instead she was concerned that would lead to “abortion havens” in certain states.

Asked ot answer yes or no to whether she supports overturning Roe v. Wade, she said, “No, in this sense, Wayne, I am very concerned as I said about the consequences of what would happen.”

She cited her “very strong pro-life record” and said if she had been governor, she would have signed all the abortion restrictions that have gone into effect.

Slater, wrapping it up, said he thought she said tonight that legalization of abortion should stand.

Her response: “I do not characterize it that way. Those are your words, not mine.”